Omaha daily bee., 1887-12-17
os,e. =, "a ubether the snid contract is &C.

o,,cc as 70 whether the said contract is ac-
tually and legally renewed aud in full force,
in view of the action Of oil parties, as shown
by the papers herewith.
Neither of the old bondsmcn, viz, James
G.. brennan, Aleck MtGavock or John a.
Wakefield have signified their consent TO The
renewal Of said contract, so far as this office
is informed. Yours,
Chairman Board of Public Works.
When Mr. Balcombe had exchanged a few
commonplaces with Mr.. Regan and several
other contractors, he put his letter to MIR.
Webster in his pocket, saying at the time he
was going to take 1t to the gentleman.
A short time afterward the reporter found
Mr. Bacombe with the city attorney Mr..
Webster had read the letter, and when asked
what his opinion on the matter was, said
~ will wait TO see what those bondsmon
not learn whether or not they are favorable
to a renewal of this contract, shall do so
myself Now, let us understand who is to
see the bondsmcn---you or J. ]"
Mr.. Balcombe insinuated that he would
prefer the bondsinen went TO him and told
him of their intention in the matter.
Mr. Webster thereupon said he would sec
them himself.
"Would bsndsmen, other than those who
were on the original bond, do as wellF'
asked the reporter.
81 can't pass upon bonds. They would have
to go the council
'tIf this is q revival of the old contract how
can other than the old bondsmen be usedf"
Here Mr. BalcOmbe interjectcd query
ayes and where arc you to determine where
the responsibility of the bondsmen ended and
that of the new ones commencer'
''If this contract be renewed the liability of
the old bondsmen ceases when that of the
new ones begins"
"You are required to submit your opinion
on this matter in writing" said the BEE re.
porter, "When will YOU submit itP'
81 don't know" said Mr.. Webster, "1'll
wait TO hear from the bbndsmcn, and then
perhaps there may be no opinion required"
w. j. Connell, late city attorney, was seem
1t was known that he had drawn UP Regan's
letter of willingness to renew the contract.
He was told of the action of the chairman of
the board of public works, and asked for his
opinion as to whether new bondsmen would
do as well as the old ones.
He did not see why the old ones would as
well as anv. He ddn'tthinlc that new ones
were at all required. 1t was a pretty inter
esting question whether the old contract had
been annullCd at all Upon what grounds
had it been annulled!
The reporters answer on the strength Of
the authority vested in the chairman Of the
board of public works by contract between
the council and Regan Bros, in which, under
certain conditions. the chairman of the former
board was empowered to annul tho contract.
Eyes" said Mr. Connell, ''but that annull-
mcnt is not in accordance with the charter.
You read the charter and see if you find any
thing which gives the chairman such au-
thority."
"Why, then, did you draw up such con-
tractl"
81 was working solely for the clty's inter
ests, and I aimed to hold club over the con-
tractors head by making the contract as
strong as possible. Under the charter the
| board Of public works, the contract to the
contrary Notwithstanding, can do nothing in
the way of cancelling or letting a contract
without the consent of the mayor and council.
1t is understood that under the renewal OF
revival or extension of the old contract that
| the old bondsmen or others equally good will
be secured, as the case may require.